Horse Rescue Challenges Firefighters

At 0841 hrs on December 20, 2009, the Milford Emergency Operations Center received a 911 telephone call from 1022 W. River Street requesting assistance for a horse that had fallen to the ground and could not get up. Being such an unusual request, Fire Department units (Engine 1 and Engine 7) were dispatched to see what assistance could be provided. When first due units arrived they were met with a horse that had fallen to the ground and was unable to stand on its own because of the ice and snow from the evening’s storm. Captain Bernie Belgey of Engine 1 had taken a Large Animal Rescue Class last year and working along with Mr. Rich Cranley from Silver Horse Shoe Stables, the two were able to provided much knowledge and the proper techniques to assist the horse. Because of the complexity of this rescue, Battalion Chief Richard Mohr requested Engine 6, Engine 4 as well as the Technical Rescue Unit 234.

Crews used medium pressure rescue lift bags that were placed underneath the horse and inflated to be able to lift the horse enough to allow the horse to stretch its legs. The horse was still lethargic and firefighters continued to support some of the horse’s weight.

Firefighters were able to place lifting straps underneath the horse which were placed to assist the horse being lifted vertically. Firefighter Dave King brought to the scene his personnel boom truck that he uses to do some heavy lifting. This “small crane” was used to lift the horse vertically enough where the horse could begin to walk on its own. After a few minutes, firefighters removed the lifting straps and the horse was led into his barn where a veterinarian will evaluate it for injuries.

Captain Chris Zak, the department's spokesman said, "This rescue was extremely complex and dangerous and was only successful because of the cooperation of and teamwork of everyone involved. All Firefighters and Civilians were able to add to the rescue with information and assistance. At times, Firefighters are only thought of putting out fires but our job entails so much more. The Firefighters of Milford are here to protect the entire population of Milford and also its visitors, even if they walk on four legs and eat carrots."

Sprinkler System Averts Early Morning Apartment Fire

Milford Fire Department units were dispatched to a reported apartment fire on Landsale Ave around 2:30am Tuesday morning. The dispatch center was receiving multiple 911 calls reporting smoke and a possible fire in the building. A 911 call was then received from one of the occupants reporting that they were trapped in their apartment by fire. While attempting to ascertain more information from the caller the connection was lost. Responding units were updated regarding the trapped individuals. Upon arrival, the first due engine companies found the occupants of the apartment hanging out the second floor window of the apartment. Units quickly mobilized to rescue the trapped people from the apartment. The apartment was filled with smoke and the sprinkler system in the apartment had been activated. The sprinklers were able to extinguish the fire prior to fire department arrival on scene. The occupants were safely brought out of the apartment while fire crews checked for any further extension. No injuries were reported but some of the businesses under the apartment did incur some water damage due to the sprinkler activation. The Fire Marshall’s office investigated the fire and it was determined to have been caused by an unattended candle that had ignited combustibles nearby.

Cookies for Soldiers

CALLING ALL COOKIE BAKERS!! HELP NEEDED!!

On Sunday, December 6th, Chief Louis LaVecchia and the Milford Professional Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 944 will be collecting “Cookies for soldiers”. This program is designed to send “cookie” care packages to the men and women of the armed services that are away from home during the Holidays.

Captain Chris Zak, spokesman for the department, said "Last year this program was a huge success and we hope to do even better this year. "

Individuals are asked to bring in the baked cookies to Milford Fire Headquarters, located at 72 New Haven Avenue on Sunday December 5th from 10am to 2pm.

Individuals are also asked to submit names and address of family and friends who are serving overseas.

"During the Holidays it is difficult to be away from home and we would just like to bring a little of Milford to the personnel of the Armed Services and say THANK YOU for the job that you do defending our Country. ", said Zak

Anyone having any questions can contact Pat Hoppes in the Milford Fire Administrative offices at (203) 874-6321 (Monday - Friday 8am - 4pm) or Milford Fire Dispatch at (203) 878-5991.